You’ve been working through your first cross stitch pattern, filling in all those satisfying X’s — and then you notice it. Those little dashed or bolded lines on the pattern labeled “backstitch.” Maybe you’ve been skipping them, or maybe you’re finally ready to tackle them. Either way, you’re in the right place!
Backstitch is one of those techniques that looks a little intimidating at first but is actually super simple once you see it in action. And when you add it to your finished piece? Total game changer. It’s the secret ingredient that takes cross stitch from ‘pretty’ to ‘wow.’
In this post, I’m going to walk you through exactly how to do backstitch in cross stitch — step by step — plus share why this one little stitch makes such a big difference. Let’s dive in!
What Is Backstitch in Cross Stitch?
Before we get into the how, let’s quickly cover the what. Backstitch is a simple running stitch that creates a solid, unbroken line — as opposed to the X shapes of regular cross stitch. It’s used to:
- Outline shapes and figures
- Add fine details like facial features, lettering, or plant stems
- Define edges so elements stand out from the background
- Add text or words to a design
You’ll usually see backstitch worked after all your cross stitches are complete, though some stitchers prefer to add it as they go — totally up to you!
What You’ll Need
The good news: You don’t need any special supplies to do backstitch! If you’ve already been doing cross stitch, you have everything you need. Here’s a quick rundown:
Embroidery Floss: Your pattern will specify the color (often a darker shade to outline). Backstitch is typically worked with just 1 to 2 strands of floss for a finer, crisper line.
Tapestry Needle: Same needle you use for cross stitch — no change needed!
Your Pattern: Backstitch lines are shown as solid or dashed lines on the chart, often in a different color than the cross stitch symbols.
Your Fabric: Whatever Aida or evenweave you’ve been working on.
Stitchy Tip: Using fewer strands (like 1 strand instead of 2) gives you thinner, more delicate backstitch lines. Great for facial features or tiny details!
How to Do Backstitch in Cross Stitch: Step by Step
All right, here’s the good stuff! Follow along and you’ll be backstitching like a pro in no time.
Step 1: Thread Your Needle and Secure Your Floss
Thread your needle with the color specified in your pattern for backstitch. As mentioned above, 1-2 strands is typical for backstitch — check your pattern notes for guidance. Secure your floss on the back of your fabric using your preferred method (a loop start or a waste knot both work great).
Step 2: Come Up at the Starting Point
Bring your needle up through the fabric at the point where you want your backstitch line to begin. On your pattern, this is where the dashed or solid backstitch line starts. We’ll call this Point A.
Step 3: Insert the Needle One Stitch Length Back
Here’s the move that gives backstitch its name: instead of going forward, you go backward. Insert your needle one stitch length behind Point A — we’ll call this Point B. Pull the needle and the floss through the back.
One “stitch length” in cross stitch backstitch is typically one square on your Aida fabric (or one thread intersection on evenweave). So if you came up at the corner of a square, you’ll go back one square.
Stitchy Tip: For smoother curved lines, you can use half-square lengths for backstitch. this keeps curves from looking too jagged!
Step 4: Come Up One Stitch Length Ahead
Now bring your needle back up through the front of the fabric one stitch length ahead of Point A — let’s call this Point C. Pull the floss through.
So your needle traveled from the front (A) — the back (B, one step backward) — and back to the front of (C, one step forward from A). That’s one complete backstitch!
Step 5: Repeat!
From Point C, insert the needle back into Point A (where the last stitch ended) to connect the stitches into a continuous line. Then bring the needle up one step ahead — this becomes your new Point C. Keep repeating this pattern: go back to the end of the stitch, come up one step ahead.
This is what creates that beautiful, solid, connected line. No gaps, no dashes — just a crisp, smooth outline.
Step 6: Secure Your Floss on the back
When you reach the end of your backstitch line, bring your needle to the back of the fabric and secure the fabric by weaving it under a few nearby stitches. Snip off the tail — and you’re done!
Backstitch Tips for Beginners
Now that you know the basics, here are a few extra tips to help your backstitch look its absolute best:
Keep your tension consistent: Backstitch that’s pulled too tight will pucker your fabric. Aim for the same gentle tension you use for your cross stitches.
Follow the pattern lines carefully: Backstitch is often worked at diagonal angles or across multiple squares — always check your pattern chart before stitching so you know exactly where each line goes.
Don’t skip it: I know it can be tempting to call a piece “done” before the backstitch, but trust me — it makes such a difference. Backstitch is what gives your piece that polished, finished look.
Work backstitch last (usually): It’s much easier to backstitch over or around completed cross stitches than to fill in around existing backstitch lines.
Use a shorter length of floss: Backstitch has a way of tangling more than cross stitch since you’re constantly reversing direction. Shorter lengths (about 12 to 15 inches) help prevent frustrating knots.
Why Backstitch Matters (The Honest Truth)
Okay, so we’ve talked about how to do it — but let me take a second to talk about why backstitch is worth the extra effort, because I genuinely believe it’s one of the most impactful skills you can add to your cross stitch toolkit.
Without backstitch, cross stitch designs can look a little…blobby. The individual X’s are beautiful up close, but from a distance, shapes can blur together. Backstitch is what gives your design its edges, structure, and personality.
Think of it like drawing a pencil vs. inking over it with a fine-tip pen. The pencil sketch is there, but the ink is what makes it pop.
Backstitch is especially transformative for:
- Animal designs (adding fur texture, eyes, whiskers)
- Portrait or figure designs (defining facial features and clothing edges)
- Floral patterns (crisp stems and petal outlines)
- Text and lettering (making words actually readable!)
- Buildings or geometric designs (sharp, clean edges)
Once you start adding backstitch to your pieces, you’ll wonder how you ever finished a project without it. It’s that good.
Common Backstitch Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Even simple techniques have their hiccups! Here are a few things to watch out for:
Going the wrong direction: It can be easy to get mixed up and go forward instead of backward on your first stitch. Remember: the very first move is always to go back before you go forward.
Leaving gaps: Each new stitch should connect exactly to the end of the previous one — no gaps in between. If you see a gap, you may have skipped a hole or gone too far forward.
Using too many strands: Thick backstitch can overpower your cross stitches. Unless your pattern specifies otherwise, start with 1 strand and see how it looks.
Not checking the pattern: Backstitch lines aren’t always straight! Always reference your chart to make sure you’re following the correct path.
Ready to Try Backstitch?
You’ve got this! Backstitch might feel like an extra step, but it’s honestly one of the most satisfying parts of finishing a cross stitch piece. That moment when you add the last outline and step back to look at your work? Stitch-perfect!
Have a question about backstitch? Drop them in the comments below — I’d love to help! And if you share your stitching, tag me so I can see your beautiful work. Happy Stitching!
Give it a try on your next project — even if it’s just a small section — and I promise you’ll be hooked. And if you’re just getting started with cross stitch supplies, be sure to check out my beginner’s guide to everything you need to get started!
